Motorcycle Repair: Front Brake Release, suzuki gsx 550, unsuccessful person

Question
Hi Christopher,

I'm having problems with the front brake of my '87 Suzuki GSX 550. I can brake just fine, no problem, not spungy. But when I release the brakes the pads do not release. As a result it takes significant effort to spin the wheel when put onto the centre stand (turns less than a quarter). I guess the cylinders? do not retract to release the disk again. I should also say that I don't know how old the brake fluid is.

What could be the cause? How can I fix it? Also, how do I get a philips screw open if the cross has been chewed away by the previous unsuccessful person trying to open it? I'd need this in order to open the brake-fluid 'container'.

Thanks for your help,

Tom

Answer
Hi Thomas.
 The problem with your calipers is one or more of two possibilities.  Here they are in order of likelihood:

1)  The calipers are dirty and sticking.  Scrub them, and any moving parts of the caliper assembly, clean and lube the moving parts of the caliper assembly.  NOTE: DO NOT GET OIL OR GREASE ON THE BRAKE PADS.

2)  (and least likely) There is some kind of blockage in the caliper or line that is preventing the brake fluid from returning to the master cylinder.

Check out the first one and see what happens.  Most likely, that will fix your problem.

Good luck.
FALCON